CRIMECON 2024 ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE

ACCESS PROGRAM FOR CRIMECON 2024 ATTENDEES WITH DISABILITIES

WHAT IS THE ACCESS PROGRAM?

The purpose of the Access Program is to make it possible for our attendees with disabilities to fully participate in CrimeCon. Please read about the program and write to us at access@crimecon.com if you have questions.



INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ACCESS PROGRAM SERVICES

 

WHERE IS THE ACCESSIBILITY DESK AT CRIMECON?

After you go through the registration process, please stop by the CrimeCon Help Desk. We want to make sure you know about all the services we offer for attendees with disabilities. Write to access@crimecon.com with questions and requests. Here are the services available:

  • Accessibility Stickers
  • Accessible Seating
  • Service Animal Check-in
  • Recharging Space
  • Calm Space
  • Assist & Info

 

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT GAYLORD OPRYLAND’S ACCESSIBILITY?

  • The hotel’s accessibility guide is available here. For more information about the physical features of our accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +1 615-889-1000
  • You will find additional information on this page under “Property Details / Accessibility Information,” towards the bottom of the page.
  • Download the Gaylord Hotels app for step-by-step directions around the resort. Navigate the hotel with ease and map your route by toggling “Accessible Route”. Available for download on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today.



INFORMATION FOR ATTENDEES WITH MOBILITY DISABILITIES


HOW DO I GET TO GAYLORD OPRYLAND FROM THE AIRPORT IF I USE A MOBILITY DEVICE?

  • The Nashville Airport ground transportation webpage, recommends reserving accessible taxi service in advance of your arrival.
  • This webpage has accessible transportation information as well as information about accessibility at the airport including locations of service animal relief areas.
  • With at least 48 hours advance notice, the Gaylord Opryland offers guests with disabilities accessible shuttle and limo services, for a fee. Call the Gaylord Opryland Transportation Department, 615-613-8616.
  • The city bus is also accessible but takes over an hour to get from the airport to the hotel.
  • When you arrive at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, instruct the driver to drop you off at the Cascades entrance for check-in. When you register at the front desk, they will give you a map showing an accessible route to your hotel room.

 

HOW DO I GET TO THE CONFERENCE FROM THE SATELLITE HOTEL (INN AT OPRYLAND) IF I USE A MOBILITY DEVICE?

The hotel will have a complimentary accessible shuttle that runs from the Inn at Opryland to the Gaylord Resort & the Opry Mills Mall. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes beginning daily at 7:50 am and runs until 10:30 pm. 

 

IS THERE ACCESSIBLE PARKING AT GAYLORD OPRYLAND?

  • If you have an accessible parking permit and are driving and parking at the Opryland Resort, you may use the valet service for the same parking fee as self-park.
  • If you self-park, the Cascades parking lot is the closest to the Cascades entrance, where check-in is located. You may drop your luggage at the entrance before you park and ask the valet service to have a shuttle sent to pick you up in the parking lot.
  • At the time this post is made, self-park is $25/day. Valet parking is $50/day. Valet parking for someone with a disability who has the accessible parking permit is $25/day. Parking has unlimited in/out services, and the valet has a 24-hour service.
  • Guests with special needs may also contact the Resort’s Transportation Department at any time with questions or for more information at 615-613-8616.


DO GAYLORD OPRYLAND AND THE SATELLITE HOTEL HAVE ACCESSIBLE GUEST ROOMS?

Yes, they do. When you are making your room reservation with the agent, be sure to discuss the accessible features you need. Tell them you are here for CrimeCon and would like a room as close to the conference as possible.

 

DOES THE HOTEL RENT WHEELCHAIRS OR SCOOTERS?

Bradley Health Services is the Gaylord Opryland’s vendor for wheelchair and scooter rental. For information and to make a reservation, call 615-458-2615.


WHERE MAY I RECHARGE MY MOBILITY DEVICE?

Recharge your motorized wheelchairs and scooters in the Charging Room (visit the help desk to learn more about the Charging Room) or ask a room monitor to help you find a power outlet in a common area. Be careful that your extension cord does not present a trip hazard. 

 

WILL THERE BE RESERVED SEATING FOR ATTENDEES WITH DISABILITIES?

  • In the rooms with VIP Seating, there will be reserved accessible seating in both Standard and VIP sections. Attendees who have mobility disabilities, low vision, cognitive disabilities, are hard of hearing, or have other disabilities that make it necessary or helpful to sit near the front of the room may sit in the reserved accessible seating area, space permitting (come early). Attendees will need an accessibility sticker that gives them permission to use the reserved section. These will be distributed at the Help Desk during open hours.
  • Upon arrival, please visit the Help Desk for information on the accessibility sticker program. This sticker should be attached to your CC badge and is meant to show CC staff that the patron plus one companion is eligible to enter the accessible viewing areas. The accessibility sticker is non-transferable.
  • If you have a VIP Badge, any companion or caretaker must also have a VIP Badge in order to accompany you into VIP-only events.
  • Please Note: the sticker does not guarantee a spot in these areas. Viewing areas have a limited capacity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot save or reserve seats or areas. Once it’s determined that an accessible viewing area is filled to capacity (including adequate aisle space for entering and exiting the area), the area will not be available for additional entry.


 

RESTROOMS

 

WILL THERE BE ACCESSIBLE AND FAMILY RESTROOMS?

There will be accessible toilet stalls in each restroom.


 

CALM SPACE

 

IS THERE A SENSORY CALMING SPACE?

  • Those with sensory sensitivities or anyone feeling overwhelmed by the conference experience are welcome in the Calm Space.
  • Come to the Help Desk to be directed to the Calm Space.

 

 

SERVICE ANIMALS

 

WHAT IS YOUR POLICY REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, SERVICE ANIMALS IN TRAINING, AND PETS?

  • Service Animals: Persons with disabilities and their service dogs or miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for those persons with disabilities are welcome at CrimeCon.
  • When you make your hotel reservation, request a room that is close to an exterior door for easy access to outdoor spaces for the purposes of service animal relief. Remember to bring your bags.
  • Service Animals in Training: Tennessee’s law states that service animals in training may attend public events but only if the dog and the trainer come from an accredited school. Write to access@crimecon.com with your request no later than 2 weeks before the start of the event so that there is time to confirm with the school. Most service animal training schools also provide a certificate of insurance. The service dog in training must wear a harness, leash or other appropriate apparel or device that identifies the dog with the accredited school and must be held on a leash and under control of its trainer.
  • NOT Allowed: Any Other Animal. Other types of animals such as pets, emotional support, protection, or any other animals are not allowed.
  • Service Animal Check-In: If you are bringing a permitted service animal to CrimeCon, you must first check-in at the Help Desk.
  • Requirements: Service animals must adhere to the following or the animal will need to leave the conference:
  • They must be house-trained.
  • Service animals must be under the control of and alongside their handler and harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
  • The service animal must not threaten the health or safety of any person or other animal. Disruptive or dangerous animals will need to leave the conference. The handler may return without the animal.
  • Responsibility: Any person that brings an animal to the conference is responsible and liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal. Tennessee has strict laws regarding dog bites and other canine-inflicted injuries. Bites or attacks by an animal can result in fines and/or jail time for the owner.

 

 

MEDICATIONS, MEDICAL CONDITIONS, SPECIAL MEAL REQUESTS

 

CAN YOU ASSIST ME WITH REFRIGERATION FOR MY MEDICATION?

If you are a hotel guest, please coordinate refrigeration needs with the hotel. If you are not a hotel guest, you may bring a small cooler to the conference.

 

WHERE MAY I DISPOSE OF SHARPS?

Call the front desk of Gaylord Opryland, 615-889-1000, and ask for Security. Security will come with a sharps disposal box so that you may safely dispose of your sharps. Please do not dispose of the sharps in the trash containers. We appreciate your consideration for the staff who handle the trash bags. This procedure applies when you are in the Convention Center or in your hotel room.

 

 

Everyone is welcome at CrimeCon!